7th Grade Teacher Accused Of Taping Students In Shower

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O'Fallon, MO (KTVI) - At least 80 5th grade boys from the Ft. Zumwalt school district were secretly videotaped as they removed their clothes for an evening shower during a school sponsored camp. That revelation was made by investigators with the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Lt. Chris Matega says their investigation started with Matt Hansen, a 38-year-old math teacher from West Middle School, charged with possession of child pornography.

After seizing Hansen`s home computer investigators discovered the disturbing revelation.

Police say students who were secretly videotaped attended a 5th grade camp. The district sent a letter to parents on Monday letting them know the unsuspecting students attended Progress South, Lewis and Clark and Dardenne Elementary Schools.

"We believe the videotaping took place during camps in 2008 through 2012," said Dr. Bernard DuBray, superintendent. He said the camp was at the Cuivre River.

Police say Hansen started working the camp in 2005,

"Everybody was blown away by this," said DuBray. "This was a respected teacher who was liked by kids, parents and students."

Lt. Matega believes this investigation should remind parents that these days cameras can be hid anywhere so children need to be aware of their surroundings and be aware that they could be videotaped.

Dr. Dubray said the district runs an FBI background check on every staff member before they are hired and this case Hansen`s check did not raise any red flags.

The superintendent also interviewed each principal Hansen worked for after the initial charges were filed. "No one complained," said Durbray.

Task force investigators are now in the process of identifying victims and notifying their parents. The school district runs 13 educational outdoor camps and will meet with each camp director to see if any changes need to be made.

Police say in this case it appears there was not much that could have been done to stop this crime from happening.

Hansen continues to be jailed on the initial charges and police say more charges could be filed.

If you have any information for police please contact school officials at: 636-272-6620